I discovered the double cleansing method and I never looked back

Post author By Tatayana Allen
Post date March 22, 2021

A Black woman with a light brown afro is cupping her face and smiling. — [Image Description: A Black woman with a light brown and blonde afro is cupping her face and smiling.] Via Unsplashed

Do you use makeup wipes, instead of implementing the double cleansing method? If your answer is “yes”, hopefully, your answer will be “no” by the time you finish reading. If not, it is okay to use what makes you happy and what works for you! This is a judgment-free zone, I promise. However, you still have to hear me out first.

I have always loved wearing makeup, and I started wearing it at the age of 13. Of course, at that age, I wasn’t very skilled at applying makeup, but I was excited nonetheless. We all know that putting on makeup is always the fun part while taking it off can be quite tiresome and even difficult at times, depending on the makeup look.

When I was 13, I thought the only way to get my makeup off was to use makeup wipes, then go in with a gentle facial cleanser. I honestly hated makeup wipes from the beginning and using them for so long was probably one of my biggest skincare mistakes. I disliked them before I even knew why they were not the best for my skin. I always ran out of them quickly because one would never be enough to get all the makeup off. I would sit there rubbing away at my skin, causing loads of irritation.

Makeup wipes are horrible for quite a few reasons. Firstly, they do not actually clean your skin. They mostly just rub everything around! So, no wonder I was using a bunch of them to try to get all the makeup off. This leaves your skin irritated, slightly inflamed, and still not clean! Also, using a bunch of disposable makeup wipes is not the best for the environment.

At one point, I decided that I was done and completely gave up on using them. However, I did not know what to use. I started trying to use eye makeup remover with a cotton pad. I told you I did not know what I was doing! Next, I moved on to using micellar water on a cotton pad.

Then I forgot about cotton pads altogether and started using an exfoliating cleanser from Neutrogena to lift the makeup from my face. Afterward, I would go in with a Cetaphil gentle cleanser. Then I went back to using makeup wipes. Yeah, I do not know what exactly to say to justify these questionable skincare choices other than I was learning, and they worked at the time!

I am a little embarrassed that it took me until this year to learn about the double cleansing method. Double cleansing is popular in k-beauty regimens and 10-step skincare routines. Through quarantine, I have watched endless skincare videos, which introduced me to double cleansing and the cons of makeup wipes. I would say that the closest that I ever got to double cleansing during my long experimental phase was when I used the Neutrogena exfoliating cleanser then went in with my Cetaphil cleanser. However, I was not exactly using the right cleansers to double cleanse. Let me explain the two steps process of doubling cleansing here!

Step one

First, you go in with an oil cleanser. An oil cleanser is an oil-based facial cleanser. Yeah, the definition is a little on the nose, I know. For those with skin that is on the oily side, you may be thinking, “Oil, no thank you!” However, it turns out that using oil to cleanse the skin works great on plenty of skin types. Oil cleansers lift sebum, dead skin, sunscreen, and most importantly, makeup from your face. It also cleans pollutants and clogged pores from your skin, leaving the skin feeling hydrated.

What you want to do with an oil cleanser is to apply a good amount to your face and gently rub it around. I try to do this do for around 15 to 30 seconds or until I am satisfied. Then I wet my hands with a little bit of water and gently rub my face again, so the oil emulsifies. After it emulsifies, I finally wash it off.

I went on a little bit of a skincare splurge when Tatcha was having a sale, so I am currently using Tatcha’s One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil. I read that it would be good for dry skin and thought it would work for me. However, there are plenty of other oil cleansers out there that you can use. I definitely have my eye on a few different products for when I run out of the one I am using currently.

Step two

After you rinse off your oil cleanser, it is time to go in with your typical facial cleanser. The oil cleanser removed all of the impurities and makeup from your skin. The facial cleanser’s job is to get deeper into your skin and provide you with your other skincare needs. This always varies from person to person.

I personally use the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. I typically wet my hands then apply the cleanser to my face. It was recommended to me by a dermatologist years ago, and I never stopped using it! My skin is slightly sensitive, and I like how gentle is on my skin. Maybe one day, I’ll be more adventurous. The cleanser you use is up to you. You have to decide what your skin needs and what you want from your cleanser. There are cleansers with different acids and helpful ingredients for your skin.

After learning about double cleansing, I finally feel like I am cleansing my face correctly and thoroughly. I will never be going back to using makeup wipes unless they are truly my only option! I even double cleanse when I am not wearing makeup most times. No makeup days are quite often now due to the pandemic. So hopefully, I have persuaded you to give up your makeup wipes as well. Also, I will leave you with some recommendations for oil cleansers just in case you do not know where to start!

Here are some product recommendations for the double cleansing method:

1. Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm from Clinique

A picture of Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. The bottle is purple and the top is silver. — [Image Description: A picture of Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. The bottle is purple and the top is silver.] Via Amazon

This cleansing balm turns into a lightweight oil as you apply it to your skin. It is also vegan and claims to be good for all skin types.

2. Neutrogena Ultra Light Face Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover from Neutrogena

[Image Description: Neutrogena Ultra Light Face Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover is in a clear blue bottle and a gray dispenser.] Via Amazon

Neutrogena is a drug store favorite. I cannot wait to try this cleansing oil!

3. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original from BANILA CO

[Image Description: A picture of Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm by Banila Co. The jar is light pink with a white top.] Via Soko Glam

This is another cleansing balm that is a beauty favorite. It is sold on the Korean beauty and skincare site called Soko Glam.

4. Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil from Tatcha

[Image Description: Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil from Tatcha. It is in a tall white bottle.] Via Tatcha

This one is a little pricey, but it works great. But if you really want to try it, Tatcha has sales! I always try to use their sales to my advantage when I want to try one of their products!

The double cleansing method is here to stay and I couldn’t be happier. Incorporating it into my skincare routine has made a huge difference.

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By Tatayana Allen

Tatayana Allen is the Junior Love and Health Editor and journalist for The Tempest. During her time at the University of Virginia, she was a Media Studies major and a member of the Cavalier Marching Band. Tatayana loves anything related to fashion, music, and photography.

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